“HENRY V.”

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24912, 27 June 1946, Page 3

“HENRY V.”

PREVIEW OF NOTABLE BRITISH FILM >

In a three-page review pt the British film "Henry V” under the heading of “Masterpiece.” the American magazine “Time,” notably candid in its motion picture criticisms, states that the movies have produced one of their rare great works of art.” After a long delay, the film has been released in New pealand, and its premiere will be held soon in Christchurch. A preview yesterday at the Mayfair Theatre was attended by representatives of educational bodies, including teachers of primary and secondary schools. The consensus of opinion after its showing was that the film was indeed a masterpiece,” and that previous attempts to bring Shakespeare to the screen w ere insignificant when compared with this magnificent production of “Henry V. The film runs fdr more than two hours and seldom during that time does it fall short of the best the author gave it. It was directed and produced by Laurence Olivier, who plays the part of Henry in what is probably the most commanding performance of ms long career. The photography in Technicolour is brilliant throughout ana some of the scenes, particularly the one showing the battle of Agincourt, are undoubtedly among the most impressive ever placed on the screen.